Building Blocks of Education: Creating a Strong Foundation for Student Growth
- Nancy Kutsup
- Aug 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 19, 2024
In a rush and can't read the article? Just play the audio file above to listen instead.
Introduction: A House is Not Built by Starting with the Roof
Just like building a house, education must begin with a strong foundation. From there a framework is built upward. Once the basics are completed, decisions are made as to the extent items are needed or whether to add enhancements. Budgets heavily play a role in these decisions.
Student growth is one of the most essential aspects of education. Both NJ and federal requirements are set to ensure this growth. However, these requirements often place a heavy burden on teachers, who find themselves focusing on paperwork instead of teaching. Accountability, though necessary, can become overwhelming. The challenge lies in finding ways to meet these requirements without hindering teachers who just want to teach.
Building a Strong Foundation
To achieve lasting student growth, it is vital to start with the elementary level and ensure progress is maintained at each stage. A strong foundation at early ages typically leads to easier achievement in later years. Research highlights that one of the most critical milestones is ensuring students can read proficiently by grade three, a key focus area that significantly impacts student success. Testing and reporting often center around three core subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
Key Factors in Improving Student Learning
Several critical factors contribute to improving student learning:
Teacher Quality:
Garfield has many high-quality teachers, but are we ensuring their retention? Morale and salary discrepancies can impact teacher retention. Dedicated teachers might leave for better-paying positions in other districts, especially when replacement teachers are offered higher salaries.
Class Size:
Smaller class sizes allow for more one-on-one interaction, which is crucial for effective learning. Larger classes not only reduce individual attention but also increase paperwork and potential safety concerns.
Access to Early Childhood Education:
With Garfield’s economic status, considerable federal funding has allowed children to begin schooling at age three, preparing them for K-5 education and providing a strong foundation for continued learning.
Parental Involvement:
Parental involvement is essential for a child's success. Parents must understand and support the education process, work with teachers, and encourage their children to achieve their potential, not just settle for grades.
Student Engagement:
Keeping students engaged in their learning is crucial, especially with modern distractions like cell phones. Teachers need to be creative in their instruction, and gamification is one approach that can help increase engagement.
School Facilities:
The learning environment significantly affects student outcomes. Inviting and safe school facilities, quality materials, and proper maintenance are essential. Upgrading facilities and ensuring they meet safety standards should be a priority.
School Funding:
Despite receiving substantial state and federal funding, Garfield still lacks the resources for unique programs and equipment that wealthier districts have. Establishing an educational foundation could help alleviate budget constraints by raising funds for special requests from faculty and administration.
Access to Technology:
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying current is vital. Ensuring the budget allows for the provision of up-to-date technology is critical for preparing students for their futures.
Conclusion: Building from the Bottom Up
Building a strong educational system starts from the bottom up, without neglecting the upper grades. Retaining students at the high school level requires communication and awareness about the school's potential. Many community members may not know that Garfield High School offers programs like the Early College Program, where students can earn an associate degree before graduating. Additionally, numerous students have gone on to attend prestigious colleges and universities, setting a high standard for their peers. In the upcoming articles, I will delve into each of these key areas in more detail, exploring how we can continue to build a strong educational foundation that supports student growth at all levels.
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